If the Edmonton Eskimos contact Rich Stubler about the vacant their head-coaching position, he'll certainly listen.

While indicating strongly he won't be "politicking" for the job, which opened up on Wednesday when Tom Higgins resigned, the Argos' defensive co-ordinator said he is interested in becoming a head coach.

"I'd like to run my own show," he said, but preferred not to say more because he isn't seeking the publicity.

Stubler worked for the Eskimos from 1991-95 and had a second stint in 1998. He was in line for the head-coaching job in '99, but the Eskimos signed Don Matthews, who lasted only one season.

Stubler has worked on and off in his current Argos job since 2001 and the defence has been consistently solid this year. Argos head coach Pinball Clemons did not want to discuss what would happen if the Eskimos approached the team about Stubler's availability because he didn't want any distractions as the team prepares for Sunday's Eastern final against Montreal.

Eskimos president/chief executive officer Hugh Campbell has indicated he plans to do an exhaustive search that could include the National Football League and U.S. college ranks.

There's also a belief he may hire from within Higgins' current staff, specifically defensive co-ordinator Greg Marshall or offensive co-ordinator Danny Maciocia.

RISON'S PLACE

While Andre Rison is not slated to play in the Eastern final because of a surplus of receivers, he is still considered a valuable part of the team in his ad hoc role as receivers coach.

"He's our leader. He's kind of the guy," receiver R. Jay Soward said. "He's the guy with the most experience. Of course, you want everybody to play for you. It's just the numbers (game) here.

"Even though he didn't play last week (in the Eastern semi-final win over Hamilton), he let us know what is going on. He told me to calm down because I was pretty hot. I wanted to see us producing.

"I don't like a lot of two-and-outs. I just want to see us produce and it gets frustrating after a while. You see the defence playing so well and then we get out there and it's two plays and you have to start watching again. You feel bad for the defence."